Former Mayor receives knighthood in New Year’s Honours
Andy Street, the former Mayor of the West Midlands, has been awarded a knighthood for his public service in the New Year’s Honours list.
Street served as Mayor from 2017 to 2024, playing a pivotal role in establishing the West Midlands Combined Authority. During his tenure, he championed increased investment in the region and strongly opposed the government’s decision to cancel the HS2 line to Manchester.
In May 2024, Street sought re-election for a third term but narrowly lost to Labour candidate Richard Parker. Following his mayoral career, he was appointed chair of the Birmingham Rep Theatre board.
Marcus Jones (Credit: UK Parliament, Creative Commons 3.0)
Street began his career at John Lewis as a graduate trainee, rising to the position of managing director between 2007 and 2016. He also chaired the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership from 2011 to 2016 and served as a non-executive director for the Department for Communities and Local Government. He was also a member of the Prime Minister’s Business Advisory Group.
Marcus Jones, former MP for Nuneaton and Deputy Chief Whip has also been knighted for his political and public service. Jones represented Nuneaton in Parliament from 2010 to 2024 and previously led Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council.
He told TheBusinessDesk.com: “It has been a pleasure to represent the people of Nuneaton and serve in the Government in a number of roles. To have that work recognised is a fantastic achievement of which i’m so proud.
“This honour is testament to the support of my wife Suzanne, my children and family. And my dedicated members of staff who worked so hard to assist me in supporting so many individuals and businesses.”
Michael Lewis. Credit: Uniper
Michael Lewis, CEO of Uniper Energy, received an OBE for his contributions to energy security and the net-zero agenda.
Dr Alan Belfield, former chair of Arup and Business Co-Chair at the Professional Business Services Council, was also honoured with an OBE for his services to business and industry.
Professor Mark Ormerod, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost of Keele University, was awarded an OBE for his contributions to sustainability and education. Since 2008, Ormerod has been instrumental in advancing Keele University’s sustainability initiatives and low-carbon energy programs.
He said: “I am both delighted and humbled to receive an OBE. I feel very fortunate to have worked with lots of very talented and committed people throughout my career, who have provided inspiration and motivation to try to make a difference to education, research and the environment.”
Other notable OBE recipients include Professor Rosemary Collier of the University of Warwick’s Life Sciences department and Michael Donoghue, CEO of the John Taylor Trust.
Professor Gavin Perkins, Dean of Medicine at the University of Warwick, received an MBE for his work in resuscitation science.
Cllr Claire Darke. Credit: City of Wolverhampton Council
Perkins said: “Each year, over 100,000 people in the UK suffer sudden cardiac arrest, with fewer than one in ten surviving to leave the hospital. I’ve had the privilege of working with fantastic colleagues in the UK and globally to improve outcomes for patients and families affected by this devastating condition. I am thrilled that our collective efforts have been recognised.”
Cllr Claire Darke, former Mayor of Wolverhampton and independent city councillor was awarded an MBE.
On receiving the honour, she said: “I was surprised to be nominated. To know that people took the time to recognise my work, and for it to be acknowledged by the King, is truly humbling.”
Patricia White. Credit: Suited for Success
Patricia White, CEO of Suited for Success, also received an MBE for her work supporting unemployed people in Birmingham. Over nearly a decade, the charity provided free interview coaching, employment preparation, and professional attire to more than 7,000 individuals. The organisation closed its doors in December 2023 after making a significant impact in the community.
Professor Vladlena Benson, Director of Aston University’s Cyber Security Innovation Centre, was recognised for her leadership in cybersecurity. Benson is a member of the UK Cyber Security Council’s Professionalism Working Group and contributes to the EU’s Agency for Cybersecurity task force, which is shaping cybersecurity frameworks across Europe.
